Flows on the Poudre are low and clear and the banks and sides of the river are starting to freeze, so be careful out there.  Fish will also be more aware and sensitive, so approach the holes with care.  Small bugs are still the ticket to success this time of year, so be sure to have a variety of small nymphs, emergers, and dry flies in your box.

Smaller baetis and midge patterns may still hatch early in the morning and later on in the evening.  Keep your eyes peeled for any surface action before rigging up your gear.  CDC Baetis Duns, Ext. Body BWO’s, Sprout Midges, and Hi-Vis Griffiths Gnats in sizes #20-22 have been working for us when fish are looking up.  

If fish are sitting higher in the water column or rolling at the surface, they may be searching for and eating emergers.  If you happen to notice this, emergers will be the go to choice to entice these fish.  CDC RS2’s, Sparkle Wing RS2’s, Barr’s Emerger, and Juan’s Jedi Master are excellent choices for those emerging bugs.  Trail them behind a dry fly and let them sit in the surface foam if fish are rolling at the surface, or put them behind a weighted nymph or split shot if fish are sitting a little deeper.    

Nymphing is another great choice this time of year.  Same thing applies as the dry flies, small baetis and midge patterns will be the best choices to entice fish.  Consider using some searching patterns like Rainbow Warriors, Copper Johns, and Hare’s Ears to find where the fish are holding.  Behind these ‘searching’ nymphs, trail a small Bling Midge, Two Bit Hooker, or Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail as a more specific bug type.  

We are at the tailing end of streamer season, but don’t hesitate to give these larger flies a try.  Fish are still trying to put on some weight before everything freezes up.  Thin Mints in sizes #10-12, Sparkle Minnows, and Sculpzillas will still produce fish for the next few weeks.  Stay safe and happy fishing!